If you have a tween or teenage girl daughter or relative in your life, then you already know that the adolescent stage is a very pivotal time in their lives. Oftentimes, the choices as well as the influences in their lives during this time make an imprint on how they begin to navigate into the world as young women. International Speaker Sheila Walsh's newest book, Praying Girls Devotional: 60 Days to Shape Your Heart and Grow Your Faith Through Prayer, encourages girls to turn to God in every stage of their life. Walsh has committed a major part of her life's work to encouraging women and girls to develop a personal relationship with God and this new book is an extension of her passion.
Is It Any Good?
What is most appealing about Praying Girls is the gentle manner in which topics of faith, life, and daily experiences are presented to tween girls between the ages of 11-14. The messages are not forced, but provide a gentle invitation to consider a faith-based or God-inspired perspective on daily life. The tone of the book is light, encouraging and inspirational.
Though this book has its audience in the Christian market, there are many powerful takeaways for parents and tweens who may not ascribe to any type of faith or belief system. The book is divided into 4 sections entitled: "When Life Feels Hard," "Not My Best Self", "Telling The Truth," and lastly "So. Much. Joy." The entire book has been created to provide a devotional or quiet time each day for girls and teenagers to grow in their personal relationship with God, which spans 60 days.
Each chapter or devotional includes: a relatable scripture or inspirational quote, a section to pause and think, and then there's a section to apply what has been learned or read at the end of each chapter called "Reflect and Write." The book cover art and interior pages are pretty and inviting. The title of the book has gold foil lettering, and the book is designed in shades of magenta, purple, and green.
The book is not too preachy, but it does send a message encouraging girls and teenagers to invite God into every area of their life. I think that Christian parents and parents of households that do not ascribe to faith will both enjoy the daily motivation that the book provides for this age group, as well as the real life age-appropriate scenarios that are included. This is not adult content.
This devotional is strictly for the tweens and teens, and rightly so! When I asked my own tween daughter what she liked most about the book, she stated, "It gives you daily inspiration, and I look forward to it. The book feels like a diary that I can share my inner thoughts in." Published by Baker Books, this book is a companion book to Walsh's bestseller Praying Women, Praying Girls.
About The Author
Sheila Walsh has traveled the world encouraging others. She has authored the books: Gigi, God's Little Princess and Praying Women. She is currently cohost of Life Today, which reaches 100 million viewers daily. Walsh lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband Barry, and their son, Christian. Learn more about Sheila Walsh on her website HERE.